Press Release

FORT MYERS, FL - Members of the Southwest Florida Small Business Resource Network have a special opportunity to learn the latest regarding U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) lending practices during its membership meeting 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday, July 16 at the Embassy Suites Hotel, 10450 Corkscrew Commons Drive, in Estero. The event is a monthly meeting for the Southwest Florida SBRN sponsored by Florida Gulf Coast's Small Business Development Center.

Featured speaker is John Dunn, assistant district director of SBA's Lender Relations Office in Miami. He will discuss the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and the nine components of the bill. The session will also include a discussion on ARC (America's Recovery Capital) Loans.

SBRN members' cost for the event is $15 per person, which includes hors d’oeuvres. Guests and unaffiliated small business owners pay $20 per person and small business lenders are FREE.

Following the presentation will be the Resource Network's monthly "Network After Five" social event where members network among themselves and exchange ideas for growing their businesses.

Earlier that day, local lenders and banking representatives are invited to attend a Lenders' Training and Roundtable program at the same location, sponsored by FGCU's Small Business Development Center. Time of that event is 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Speaker will also be John Dunn. There is no charge for this event, and attendees are encouraged to stay for the networking event that follows. Registration for this event is reserved for lenders and banking representatives only.

To register, go online to http://cli.fgcu.edu/sbdc/register. Deadline for registration is Tuesday, July 14.

The Small Business Resource Network is a statewide organization that provides a reliable connection between seasoned professionals who service the small business arena and the small business owner. For more information on the resource network, visit www.sbrn.org.

For more information, to register for the event, or to get directions, contact Lorna Kibbey, coordinator at the Small Business Development Center at (239) 745-3700.